ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- MichBio Chairman Randal Charlton announced today Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, as interim executive director of MichBio, the state’s life science trade association. Dr. Rapundalo replaces former executive director Dr. Michael D. Witt who is leaving after 3 years in charge of MichBio.
“The Board of MichBio wishes to thank Dr. Michael D. Witt for his hard work in developing member services and helping to grow our organization. Our membership has grown steadily in both number and influence, exceeding 200 members for the first time,” stated Randal Charlton, Asterand CEO.
During Dr. Witt’s tenure, MichBio grew its services to include a range of products and services, a new website, membership directory, and presented the state’s first life science expo, MichBio Expo 2005, in Detroit. Dr. Witt is credited with broadening MichBio’s reach to include student chapters at most of the state’s universities and continuing its BioConnections program which matches qualified graduates to new job opportunities with emerging businesses in the state. Dr. Witt was a regular advocate at the state capital on behalf of the life sciences industry.
Dr. Stephen Rapundalo will assume the responsibilities as interim executive director this week. Stephen, a former Pfizer and Park Davis employee, has worked as a senior research scientist and is a pre-clinical drug discovery professional with global experience in the life sciences industry.
“Stephen’s professional experience and background in strategic planning and project management will be a great asset to MichBio,” stated Charlton. Among Stephen’s first tasks will be guiding the MichBio team as they plan and execute the second MichBio Expo. MichBio Expo 2006 will take place October 10, 11, and 12, at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Place. This event is the largest annual gathering of life science professionals in the state of Michigan.
Dr. Rapundalo is an active member of the Ann Arbor community, currently serving the City of Ann Arbor as a council member for the 2nd ward where he has worked on a broad range of development, zoning, and core services issues.
About MichBio - MichBio is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the growth of the life sciences industry in Michigan. The association serves a diverse membership, including new and established life sciences companies, academic and research institutions, as well as service providers and related organizations throughout the state. Acting as a focal point for the life sciences community, MichBio provides networking and educational events, offers a web portal to industry-specific state and national information, addresses public policy, and is focusing on the human resource, funding and infrastructure issues affecting Michigan’s biosciences industry.
MichBio
CONTACT: Mary Karen McClellan, Director of Public Relations and Marketingof MichBio, +1-734-615-9661, karen@michbio.org
Web site: http://www.michbio.org/
